EU chief opens door for Canada to become 'associate member'

The European Commission will pursue an “associate member” status for Canada to strengthen cooperation in manufacturing, technology, AI, defence, energy, critical minerals, and economic security. This follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s request for a “unique alliance.” The initiative comes after stalled US-Canada trade talks and rising geopolitical tensions. Von der Leyen also announced plans for a European Security Council that will include the UK and Ukraine to counter Russian threats.